Friday, May 8, 2009

Home

Hey everyone, it's been some hectic days since I last posted a blog, and I never got a final post in before I got home. The last ten days in Bolivia were spent with friends and family, enjoying the last bits that I could spend around Santa Cruz. We had a big depedida or going away party for myself and Sarah which turned out absolutely fantastic. Even Ethan, who lives in Sucre, was there.

I spent my last day taking pictures of the city, and then the rest of the time with Sarah since it would be the last time I would be seeing her for a while. She was also traveling to Cochabamba that evening, and wouldn't be able to make it to the airport with me.

The night I was leaving was the night of the concert of Vicente Fernandez, a very famous Mexican singer who was on his final tour ever. My whole family were huge fans, so I said goodbye to Alan and Oliver before even leaving for the airport (they went to the concert right away). I then went over to the Peña house (Brodie's old host family) to say goodbye to everyone. Jessica and Veronica decided to meet me at the airport! Then I went with my host parents, my host mom and Chris stayed as late as they could without missing the concert, and then I was off with my dad. Jess and Vero showed up right before I left, and then everyone said their goodbyes. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be... I guess since not everyone was there.

The flights were long and freezing, time spent in airports was boring and full of anticipation (although not as long as when I had come to Bolivia). But I finally got home to Kelowna... with one of my bags lost along the way. I met up with my parents, and then we figured out all the specifics about getting my bag back. From there, we went out for dinner and back to Penticton to meet Robin!

So here we are, at the end of my journey and itching to start a new one. Only a few more months here in Penticton, and then I will be taking that new step in my life.. moving out and going to University. I'm fully prepared for this step, emotionally, but still apprehensive as to how it all will turn out. Life is definitely throwing new things at you every day, and you just need to learn how to adapt and move on. Enjoy every opportunity that presents itself to you, and love everyone in your life for being who they are, and who they help you to become.

On that note, thank you to everyone who has helped get me to where I am. For supporting the exchange idea, and supporting me emotionally throughout the year. Thank you to Sarah for being the structure in my life when I was in Bolivia, I don't know what I would do if you hadn't come into my life. Thanks to Rotary for having this program, and presenting the opportunity to not only me, but to all youth across the globe. Thanks to my families, host and real. You really have helped me to learn so much about myself and the world around me. I love you all!